A New Crown Rot Protection for Cereals

Oats Field

Syngenta is releasing Victrato®, a long-awaited and widely discussed solution for protecting cereals from crown rot. The APVMA is currently reviewing Victrato® for registration and is expected to announce its decision soon. In the meantime, it’s important to start preparing so you can take full advantage of this crop-saving product.

Syngenta describes Victrato® as a “powerful tool” in the fight against disease, designed to complement existing management practices. Developed specifically for Australian conditions, Victrato® moves through the plant to provide comprehensive protection.

Victrato® offers wheat and barley growers effective defense against Fusarium crown rot, a devastating disease that costs Australian producers over $404 million per year (GRDC Factsheet, Oct 2018). The Fusarium fungus restricts water and nutrient flow to the developing cereal head, and the problem worsens when moisture and heat stress occur during critical growth stages, resulting in shriveled grains or even grainless heads.

Victrato® works by delivering its active ingredient throughout the plant, with targeted protection at the crown and roots. Its active ingredient, cyclobutrifluram, is based on Tymirium® technology, which suppresses the disease starting in the roots. Additionally, Victrato® is safe to use, requires no special PPE, and poses no risk to workers handling the product.

That said, Victrato® belongs to the SDHI group of chemicals. To ensure its effectiveness on your farm and to prevent resistance development, it’s crucial for growers and industry professionals to follow CropLife resistance management guidelines. Purchasing Victrato® requires growers to acknowledge their understanding of these guidelines and their commitment to following recommended usage practices.

To register for a unique Victrato® registration number, visit the Syngenta website at www.syngenta.com.au/victrato.

Tara Rural Supplies and Condamine Seeds & Tyres will keep you updated on Victrato®'s availability. For more information, call us at:📞 (07) 4665 3366 (Tara)📞 (07) 4627 7222 (Condamine)